Automatic balancing and horizontal sustaining aeroplane.



G. B. H. AUSTIN. AUTOMATIC BALANCING AND HORIZONTAL SUSTAINING AEROPLANB.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 26,1912. l

Patented Feb. 4, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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G. B. H. AUSTIN.

AUTOMATIC BALANOING AND HORIZONTAL SUSTAINING AEROPLANB.

APPLICATION FILED PBB.26, 1912.

Patented Feb. 4, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

G. B. H. AUSTIN.

AUTOMATIC BALANCING AND HORIZONTAL SUSTAINING ABROPLANB.

l APPLICATION FILED PEB.26.1912, 1,052,204, Patented Feb. 4, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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GEORGE BBOUGHAM HUBERT AUSTIN, 0F MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.

AUTOMATIC BALANCING AND TIORIZONTAL SUSTAINING AEBOPLANE.

Speeicat'ion of Letters lateiit.

Patented Feb. 4, 1913.

Application l'ed February 26, 1912. Serial No. 680,056.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that. I,'Geoiioi': BRoUGHAM I'lLi-:irr AUSTIN', a subject of the King of Great Brituinfresiding at Melbourne, in the State of Victoria, Australia, have invented' certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Balancing and Horizontal Sustaining Aeroplanes; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in; the art to which itl ap'pertains to make and use the same. i

This invention relates to a device vfor sustaining tlie weight of bodies and propelling saine through the airby means of a machine or frame, the motive power being obtained` by aid of an auxiliary petrol or other motor, aided by planes, fans and 'Propellers 'llie particular object of my inventionis to provide a. machine lthat will prove to be stable and safe for traveling, and at the same timev one that is selfgoverning. Its movements arercalculated to be easily manipulated by non-experts and consequently tlie machine may be flown at allv times Aand seasons, and is not affected or over-turned by sudden gusts or variable wind currents. Hitherto flying machines and the like have been constructed in such a manner that the above difliculties have not been overcome, and the object of the mechanism embodied iii my invention is to rectify and overcome tliese defects.

In order that my invention may be the more easily understood, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in

which- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken on line C-D of Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a cross sectional elevation taken at line A-B of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a plan of. an

aerial machine constructed according to my invention the car and its parts being below as shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 4, 5 and 6 aire alternative forms of constrlictinfy my invention. Fig. 7 illustrates a detail s owing how the landing shock of the machine is cushioned. Fig. 8 a detail of communicating,

chain for driving the main propellers and method of supporting or sta ing same. Fig. 12 the detachable car liqui fuel tanks for themotor, Fig. 13 a crossseetion of hinged trap in floor of cage. liinging detail. Fig. 15 a view of communicating gear from horizontal to vertical auxiliary propeller shafts, while Figs. 16 and 17 are front and side elevations respectively of -6 drawn to a small Scale.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that I employ the principle of a parachute vwhereby a weightis suspended beneath a plane or sustaining body and prevents same from overturning, that is to say by placing and suspending the weight of the car, containing the propelling mechanism, and the weight of the driver and passengers, a governiiig pendulum is'obtained.

In these drawings, a represents the car to which I attach cables or cords a' (see Fig. 2) connected to hinged movable or flexible planes Vb that act as ailerons or balancers. These planes b are hinged to planes or tubos e, hereinafter described. The movement of the car a, b which it assumes a substantially perpendicular position by the action of gravity, operates a multiple r ya (see Fig. 10)e placed at suitable ositions. This gear operates the cords or ca les a' from the car a to the ailerons or balancers b, causing the car toact as an automatic governor to regulate the rising and falling ofthe aforesaid ailerons or balancers b thus securing the Fig. 14 is an enlarged equilibrium' of the machine in a transverse tions, I employ a hollow tube orlongitudinal box d of a tapered form and preferably angular, the area of the rear orifice d thereof being approximately one half the area of the front orifice d2, but I do not; confine myself to any rigid proportions or ratios that these oritieesshall bearto one another. The result is that in the forward movement of the machine, the air is forced into the box and the ressure of saine on the inclined surfaces lifts the rear of the machine and thus secures an even keel or llon 'tudinal balance, and atthe same time y ena les the machine to run into the wind better and makes it the more easily steered and manageable. In addition for creating a horizontal and steady equilibrium and to work in'connection with and to counterbalance any rear action of box or tube d, I employ fixed planes or tapered boxes e' (see Figs. 1 and3) which act as wings and project from and are connected with the hollow tube d. In lieu of the horizontal .planes e I may emplo either convex or concafe planes (see Fig. 4) or other desired shape radiating from rear orifice 0fcenter box. These planes or wings act as air buffers or sustaining floats and may be fixed at right angles or at variable angles, in a forward direction and may be provided on their external edges with hinged flexible planes or feathers, ailerons or balancers b. If necessary or desirable for the driver to operate these planesor balancers, suitable connections leading therefrom to a lever or other regulating mechanism may be employed for this purpose.

T o support the frame-work of the planes e, I provide an extension at each end of the balance tube d and secure to 'same a girder frame g. On this girder fr'ame g I also employ a horizontal plane l (see Fig.` 3) fitted with a vertical keel g and movable rudders 7L operated by means of rods h' leading to the seat of the driver in the body a.

To the extended portion of the girder frame g I attach hinged flaps or shutters i to act as lifters or depressors and these are Voperated by means of cables or cords 'i' leading to suitable clutch and lever mechanism operated by the driver.v

In lieu of the means described to operate the front or rear shutters z', I may automatically operate the same from petrol tanks 'i2 (see Fig. 4) by attaching the ends of the cables or cords 2" thereto. These tanks are preferably suspended in a frame i pivoted at i* to the frame of the box d.

Vmeans hereinbefore described.

This construction permits the tanks to swing or oscillate 1n 4the manner desired and this action moves the cables or cords z" and controls the raising or lowering of the shutters or elevators iindependently of the I' would have it understood that I do not confine my- 'self to-any. certain position of the tanks as they may be placed just below the planes e (see Figs. 1 and 2), or elsewhere, as may be found convenient. .v

To center tube -girder or frame c I attach, on ball bearings, a hollow steel shaft j provided with suitable gearing and fitted at both ends with bosses j to whlch are at-l j whichare secured to the framework of the planes. This construction permits an oscillating movement of the planes and also makes provision for the car to support the planes when the car is resting on the ground, while when the machine is in flight the car will be supported and at the same time the planes will be free to oscillate. This construction also relieves any undue strain on the driving shaft To center of shaft j are fixed one or more gear toothed' sprocket wheels c which are driven by means of chains k and these in turn are operated by a motor or motors l placed in car a.

In the car a there are placed vertical shafts m (see Fig. 4) which passthrough the tube or box d and turn in suitable ball bearings. On the-lower ends of these shafts there are gears driven by motors l. The mast 'm-2 aud ropes m3 (see Fig. 4) are the supporting means for the planes e and tubo or box d.

By referring to Figs. 6, 15 and 16, it will be seen that I `may also emplo helical blades n fixed on the shafts n w ich turn in the bearings n at the rear of the orifices of the planes or boxes e. These helical blades n are geared as illustrated (Figs. 15 and 16) and are employed for the express purpose of holding the machine in a stationary position against the wind to enable the machine to poise.- In the operation of.

these devices, the wind enters the planesor boxes e, strikes and rotates the helical blades n, which in turn operate the horizontal propellers n3 at the rear and vertical ropellers n* at the front. This is accompllished by spur gears n. In the linterior of the tube d is placed a shaft n, also fitted with helical i blades n' to assist in the propelling of the machine. This construction will reduce the duty -of the driving motors l. The mast j* is carried upwardly for some distance above the planes or boxes a'to allow the cables a to be attached thereto for the purpose of regulating the ailerons or balancers b automatically. The cords 'or cables'a' are operated by the oscillating movement of both the car and mast. The mast operates the cords or cables a above the planes in a manner similar -tothe car operating them below. The action is automatlc in conjunction with the car thus duplicating the operation to provide a large factor of safety.

To provide a stand for the ramework of car a when resting on the ground and at `same time to provide a means whereby sudden bumps' may be obviated-when the machine alights on the earth, I'ge'mplo a cross girder frame o which is'sefcure to the framework of the machine. To this frame o I secure springs .o'4 and rockers 0 (see Fig. 1), together with forward wheels 02 and small rear wheels o?. tozact as runners.

In lieu of the spring construction I may provide upright hollow tubes p (see Fig. 1) made telescopic and adapted to contain oil or made to act as air compressors, or provided with strfng springs, so that they act as buffers to absorb shocks otherwise sustained by the framework. I may also emplo suitable brakes g ada ted to be operated by the driver, and t ese ma be of such form as `to brake the forward w eels 02.

In order to provide for the necessary rigidity between the planes and the car when about to alight on the ground, these Eirts are connected b cables c. These caes c are operated y gears (see Fig. 9) consisting of a circular rum c containing self sustained spring c4, one end being attached to the drum and the other secured to a spindle c operated by a lever pawl c? 'and a ratchet c". The s indie is supported in suitable bearings fixe tothe framework of the car. When it is desired to lock the planes at right angles to the car the lever a is brought into play and locked by action of the ratchet c', the whole mechanism being controlled by the driver.

The tubes p (see Fig. 7) are provided with plungers p and provided with suitable" connections and joints, as indicated at p and p2 as may be most suitable for the pur-- a the construction for obtaining such results,

pose.

The car a may be constructed with a pointed row which is connected to the main bo y by means of pivoted rods and ties as aforesaid. The prow may be perforated and cooling tubes introduced into the openings, or other devices may be employed for cooling the machinery, and providing for a forced draft. Furthermore, the car may be fitted with water-tight compartments to make the saine float. A portion of the car a may also be made detachable from the frame by means of suitable devices consisting of scissors levers u held in position by a bifurcated rod u which is ke t locked by any suitable means. The rod u on being removed makes it possible to ush the levers inwardly and this action wit draws the bolts u from blocks ua, (see Figs. 12, 13 and 14). Thus a portion of Athe car .can be dropped at pleasure in the sea and it there ,becomes a boat.

The machine ma be constructed of variable material wit preferably halved or angled T ieces stii'ening same at intervals, with ang e. pieces to give rigidity, while .the framework may be constructed of metal senger or driver the cords can be freed and the envelops r made to form a arachute. Parachutes s (see Fig. 5) may a be empoyed. These are preferab y placed in xess fixed in the planes-the said boxes being provided with spring flaps s and sliding floors s controlled by cords s* operated by the driver. The action of operatin the cords s* pulls the sliding floors forwar and at the same time releases the spring flaps s. The air rushing up through the boxes s forces the parachutes out and also inilates them. Parachutes t (see Fig. 6) may be employed on both sides of the tube or box d. When not inflated they may be folded up at one end of the frame and when it is desired to open them they are drawn forward b cords and rings t suitably operated by t e driver. The frame t2 of the machine below the parachute may be constructed as illustrated in Fig. 6.

It is to be understood that I do not claim it is novel to place a car below a floating body or to pivotally connect and move it below a ioating body so that the car maintains an upright position due to the action of gravity, or to utilize the swinging movements of the car so mounted to control devices for assisting to maintain the stability of the aeroplane, but so far as I am aware,

a car pivotally connected thereto so as to' swing on an axis extending in the direction of flight, a boxtube fixed to the frame, running lon tudinally of the machine and tapering il'om the front to the rear thereof, a plurality of box planes on either side of the said tube, lateral balancing devices, and means for operating the said balancing devices by the swingi movements of the cai'.

2. An aerial machine comprising a frame, a car pivotally connected thereto so as to swing on an axis extending in the direction of flight, a box tube fixed to the frame, running lon itudinally of the machine and tapering rom the front to the rear thereof, a plurality of box planes on either side of the said tube, devices at the front and rear of the machine for balancing the same longitudinally, and means for operating the said longitudinal balancing devices.

3. An aerial machine comprising a frame, a car pivotally connected thereto so as to swing on an axis extending in the direction of flight, a box tube fixed to the frame, running longitudinally of the machine and tapering rom the front to the rear thereof, a plurality of box planes on either side of the said tube, lateral balancin devices, devices at the front and rear o the machine saw:

for balancing the same longitudinally, and means for operating the said longitudinal balancing devices.

4. An aerial machine comprising a frame, a car pivotally connected thereto so as to swing o-n an axis extending in the direction of flight, a box tube fixed to the frame, running longitudinally of the machine and tapering from the front to thel rear thereof, a motor, propellers, gears, and shafting connecting thc said motor and propellers, a plurality of box planes on either side ofthe` said tube, lateral balancing devices, devices at the front and rear of the machine for balancing the same longitudinally, and means for operating the said longitudinal balancing devices.

5. An aerial machine comprising a frame, a car pivotally connected thereto so as to swing on an axis extending in the direction of flight, a box tube fixed to the frame, running longitudinally of the machine and tapering from the front to the rear thereof, a plurality of box lanes on either side of the said tube, a sha t mounted centrally and extending longitudinall through the said box tube, devices assoclated with the said shaft for turning the same by action of the air in passing through the tube, and devices o erated by the said shaft for maintaining t e machines in the air.

6. A n aerial machine com rising a frame, a car pivotally connected t ereto so as to swing on an axis extending in the direction of flight, a box tube fixed to the frame,.run ning lon 'tudinally of the machine and tapering om the front to the rear thereof a plurality of box lanes on either side of the said tube, a shaft mounted centrally and extending longitudinally through the said box tube, helical blades connected to the said shaft, and propellers actuated by the said helical blades through the said shaft,

7. An aerial machine comprising a frame, av car pivotally connected thereto so as t0 swing on an axis extending in the direction of Hight, a box tube fixed to the frame, running lon 'tudinally of the machine and tapering rom the front to the rear thereof a plurality of box planes on either side of the said tube, shafts mounted within the said box planes, helical blades connected with the said shafts, and propellers actuated by the last aforesaid shafts and helical blades.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE BBUGIIAH HUBERT AUSTIN.

Witnesses:

A. O. SAcHsE, ALICE Humm. 

